In a Pa. Department of Environmental Protection news release dated Aug. 14, 2012, DEP Secretary Mike Krancer is quoted as saying, "Proper recycling is important because there are millions and millions of devices; they have a limited useful life span and they contain heavy metal such as lead, cadmium and mercury."

Many devices also contain valuable metals such as gold, silver and platinum and base metals like copper, iron and aluminum that can be separated and reused in new products.

Consumers can find more information on the state DEP website at: http://www.elibrary.dep.state.pa.us/dsweb/Get/Document-85431/2520-FS-DEP4326.pdf.